Patentable/Patents/US-11947455
US-11947455

Suppressing cache line modification

PublishedApril 2, 2024
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Disclosed is a system and method for use in a cache for suppressing modification of cache line. The system and method includes a processor and a memory operating cooperatively with a cache controller. The memory includes a coherence directory stored within a cache created to track at least one cache line in the cache via the cache controller. The processor instructs a cache controller to store a first data in a cache line in the cache. The cache controller tags the cache line based on the first data. The processor instructs the cache controller to store a second data in the cache line in the cache causing eviction of the first data from the cache line. The processor compares based on the tagging the first data and the second data and suppresses modification of the cache line based on the comparing of the first data and the second data.

Patent Claims
18 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the specific value is all zeroes.

Plain English Translation

A system for data processing involves generating a specific value to be used in cryptographic operations. The system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to generate a specific value for use in cryptographic operations. The specific value is all zeroes, which simplifies the cryptographic process by eliminating the need for complex value generation. The system may also include a cryptographic module that performs encryption or decryption using the generated value. The cryptographic module may apply the value in operations such as key derivation, data encryption, or authentication. The system ensures secure and efficient cryptographic processing by standardizing the value to all zeroes, reducing computational overhead while maintaining security. The processor may further validate the generated value to ensure it meets cryptographic requirements before use. The system may be integrated into a computing device, such as a server or a mobile device, to enhance security in data transmission and storage. The use of a zeroed value streamlines cryptographic operations, making the system suitable for applications requiring high-speed processing and low-latency encryption.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the specific value includes nonzero data based on a previous write to the at least one cache line being zero.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to memory systems, specifically optimizing cache line writes by detecting and handling zero-value data. The problem addressed is inefficient memory operations when writing zero values, which can waste bandwidth and processing resources. The system includes a memory controller and a cache memory with cache lines. The controller detects when a write operation targets a cache line containing zero values and modifies the write operation to include nonzero data based on the previous zero-value state. This ensures that subsequent read operations correctly identify the cache line as modified, preventing unnecessary data transfers or invalidations. The system may also track metadata indicating the zero-value state of cache lines to optimize future write operations. The invention improves memory efficiency by reducing redundant writes and ensuring accurate cache coherence in systems where zero-value data is frequently written.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the specific value is an identified pattern.

Plain English Translation

A system for pattern recognition and analysis is disclosed, addressing the need for efficient identification and processing of recurring patterns in data streams. The system captures input data from various sources, such as sensors, databases, or user inputs, and processes this data to detect specific patterns. These patterns may represent anomalies, trends, or predefined sequences relevant to the application domain, such as fraud detection, predictive maintenance, or user behavior analysis. The system includes a pattern identification module that analyzes the input data to extract and classify these patterns based on predefined criteria or machine learning models. Once identified, the patterns are stored in a database for further analysis or used to trigger automated actions, such as alerts or adjustments to system parameters. The system may also include a user interface for visualizing detected patterns and configuring pattern recognition parameters. This approach enhances decision-making by providing real-time insights into data trends and anomalies, improving efficiency and accuracy in various applications.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the specific value is indexed into a structure of runtime detected patterns.

Plain English Translation

A system for analyzing and indexing runtime-detected patterns in a computing environment. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently organizing and retrieving dynamically generated data patterns during program execution, which is critical for performance monitoring, debugging, and optimization. The system includes a mechanism to detect and capture specific values or events occurring during runtime, such as system calls, memory accesses, or execution traces. These values are then indexed into a structured data repository, enabling fast lookup and correlation of patterns. The indexing process organizes the detected values based on their characteristics, such as frequency, temporal relationships, or contextual relevance, to facilitate efficient retrieval and analysis. This structured approach allows for real-time or post-execution analysis, improving system performance and reliability by identifying anomalies, bottlenecks, or security vulnerabilities. The system may also include additional components for pattern recognition, such as machine learning models or rule-based filters, to enhance the accuracy and relevance of the indexed data. By indexing runtime-detected patterns, the system provides a scalable and efficient way to manage and analyze dynamic system behavior, supporting applications in software development, cybersecurity, and system diagnostics.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The system of claim 1 wherein storing the data in the cache line in the cache is based on a capacity eviction.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing data storage in a cache memory addresses the problem of efficiently utilizing cache resources while maintaining performance. The system includes a cache memory with multiple cache lines, each capable of storing data. The system monitors the usage of these cache lines to determine when data should be evicted based on capacity constraints. When the cache reaches its storage limit, the system identifies the least recently used or least frequently accessed data and removes it to free up space for new incoming data. This capacity-based eviction ensures that the cache operates efficiently by preventing overfilling and maintaining optimal performance. The system may also include additional mechanisms, such as tracking access patterns or prioritizing certain data types, to further refine the eviction process. By dynamically adjusting the cache contents based on capacity, the system ensures that the most relevant data remains available while minimizing unnecessary storage of outdated or infrequently used information. This approach is particularly useful in high-performance computing environments where cache efficiency directly impacts system speed and responsiveness.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The system of claim 1 wherein storing the data in the cache line in the cache is based on a coherency probe.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing data in a cache memory includes a cache line configured to store data and a coherency controller that monitors data consistency across multiple cache levels or processors. The coherency controller detects coherency probes, which are signals indicating potential data inconsistencies due to modifications in other cache levels or processors. When a coherency probe is detected, the system determines whether to store or update data in the cache line based on the probe's content. This ensures that the cache line maintains accurate and up-to-date data, preventing stale or inconsistent reads. The system may also include mechanisms to handle probe responses, such as forwarding data or invalidating the cache line if necessary. The coherency controller may use protocols like MESI (Modified, Exclusive, Shared, Invalid) to manage cache states and ensure data consistency. The system improves performance by reducing unnecessary cache line evictions and maintaining data integrity across distributed cache hierarchies.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The system of claim 1 wherein storing the data in the cache line in the cache is based on explicit flush instructions.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to a data processing system with a cache memory that improves efficiency by selectively storing data in cache lines based on explicit flush instructions. The system includes a processor, a cache memory with multiple cache lines, and a memory controller. The processor executes instructions, including explicit flush instructions, to manage data storage in the cache. When an explicit flush instruction is encountered, the system stores data from the processor into a specific cache line in the cache memory. The memory controller ensures that data is only written to the cache line when triggered by these explicit flush instructions, preventing unnecessary cache updates and reducing power consumption. The system also includes mechanisms to track which cache lines are valid and to evict data when necessary, ensuring efficient cache utilization. This approach allows for precise control over cache operations, optimizing performance and energy efficiency in data processing tasks. The invention is particularly useful in systems where selective cache updates are critical, such as in embedded or low-power computing environments.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The system of claim 1 wherein storing the data in the cache line in the cache is based on a microarchitectural event.

Plain English Translation

The system relates to a computer architecture that improves cache efficiency by storing data in a cache line based on a microarchitectural event. In computing systems, cache memory is used to reduce access latency to frequently used data, but traditional methods may not optimize storage based on real-time microarchitectural conditions. This system addresses the problem by dynamically determining when to store data in a cache line by monitoring specific microarchitectural events, such as instruction execution patterns, memory access behavior, or pipeline stalls. The system includes a cache memory with multiple cache lines, a processor configured to execute instructions, and a monitoring unit that detects microarchitectural events. When a relevant event is detected, the system stores or updates data in a cache line to improve performance. The monitoring unit may track events like branch mispredictions, cache misses, or load/store operations to decide when to allocate or evict cache lines. By adapting cache storage based on real-time microarchitectural conditions, the system enhances data locality and reduces latency, leading to more efficient processing. The invention is particularly useful in high-performance computing environments where optimizing cache usage is critical for performance gains.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the specific value is all zeroes.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for data processing involves generating a specific value for use in cryptographic operations. The method includes determining a specific value based on input data, where the specific value is derived from a cryptographic function applied to the input data. The specific value is then used in subsequent cryptographic operations, such as encryption, decryption, or authentication. In one embodiment, the specific value is all zeroes, which simplifies the cryptographic process by reducing computational overhead. The input data may include user credentials, transaction details, or other sensitive information. The cryptographic function may be a hash function, a key derivation function, or another secure algorithm. The method ensures that the specific value is generated in a deterministic manner, allowing for consistent and reliable cryptographic operations. The use of all zeroes as the specific value may be particularly useful in scenarios where minimal computational resources are available or where the cryptographic operation must be performed quickly. The system may include a processor and memory for executing the cryptographic operations and storing the input data and specific value. The method may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the specific value includes nonzero data if a previous write to the cache line is zero.

Plain English Translation

A method for managing cache memory in computing systems addresses the inefficiency of storing unnecessary zero data in cache lines, which wastes memory resources and reduces performance. The method involves detecting a previous write operation to a cache line that contains only zero values. When a subsequent write operation occurs, the method checks whether the new data includes nonzero values. If the previous write was zero and the new write includes nonzero data, the method stores only the nonzero data in the cache line, avoiding the storage of redundant zero values. This selective storage optimizes cache memory usage by reducing the amount of data written and stored, improving overall system efficiency. The method applies to computing systems where cache memory is used to accelerate data access, particularly in scenarios where frequent writes occur to cache lines initially filled with zeros. By minimizing unnecessary data storage, the method enhances memory bandwidth and reduces power consumption, benefiting high-performance computing and embedded systems.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The method of claim 10 wherein the specific value is a known pattern.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for analyzing data patterns involves detecting and processing specific values within a dataset to identify meaningful information. The method includes receiving input data containing multiple values, analyzing the input data to identify a specific value, and determining whether the specific value matches a known pattern. The known pattern may be a predefined sequence, structure, or characteristic that indicates relevant information within the dataset. Once identified, the specific value is processed to extract or derive additional insights, such as categorizing the data, flagging anomalies, or triggering further analysis. The method may also involve comparing the specific value against multiple known patterns to determine the best match or to identify multiple relevant patterns. This approach is useful in applications such as data validation, fraud detection, or automated decision-making, where recognizing predefined patterns is critical for accurate and efficient processing. The system may include a database of known patterns, a processing unit to analyze the input data, and an output module to present the results. The method ensures that specific values are accurately identified and processed based on their association with known patterns, improving the reliability and effectiveness of data analysis.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The method of claim 10 wherein the specific value is indexed into a structure of runtime detected patterns.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a method for analyzing and indexing runtime-detected patterns in a computing system. The method addresses the challenge of efficiently organizing and retrieving dynamically observed patterns during system operation, which is critical for tasks such as performance optimization, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance. The method involves detecting patterns in runtime data, such as system behavior, user interactions, or application performance metrics. These patterns are then indexed into a structured data organization, enabling fast retrieval and analysis. The indexing process ensures that the patterns can be quickly accessed based on their specific values, improving the efficiency of subsequent operations that rely on pattern recognition. This approach enhances system responsiveness and accuracy in identifying relevant patterns, particularly in environments where real-time decision-making is essential. The structured indexing allows for scalable pattern storage and retrieval, making it suitable for large-scale systems with high volumes of runtime data. By systematically organizing detected patterns, the method facilitates advanced analytics and automation, reducing manual intervention and improving overall system performance.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The method of claim 10 wherein storing the data in the cache line in the cache is based on a capacity eviction.

Plain English Translation

A method for managing data storage in a cache memory system addresses the challenge of efficiently utilizing cache resources while maintaining performance. The method involves storing data in a cache line of a cache, where the storage is determined by a capacity eviction policy. This policy ensures that when the cache reaches its storage limit, the least recently used or least frequently accessed data is removed to free up space for new data. The method may also include tracking access patterns to the cache line to determine which data should be evicted. Additionally, the method may involve monitoring the cache's occupancy to trigger eviction when necessary. The approach optimizes cache performance by dynamically adjusting storage based on usage, reducing unnecessary data retention and improving access efficiency. The method is particularly useful in computing systems where cache memory is a critical resource for speeding up data retrieval operations. By implementing capacity-based eviction, the system ensures that the most relevant data remains in the cache, minimizing latency and enhancing overall system performance.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The method of claim 10 wherein storing the data in the cache line in the cache is based on a coherency probe.

Plain English Translation

A method for managing data storage in a cache memory system addresses the challenge of efficiently maintaining data consistency across multiple processing units in a shared memory architecture. The method involves detecting a coherency probe, which is a signal indicating that another processing unit or memory controller has requested access to a specific memory address. Upon detecting such a probe, the system determines whether the requested data is present in a cache line of the cache memory. If the data is found, it is stored in the cache line based on the coherency probe, ensuring that the cache remains consistent with the shared memory system. This process helps prevent data corruption and ensures that all processing units operate with the most up-to-date data. The method may also include additional steps such as invalidating the cache line if the data is no longer valid or updating the cache line with the latest data from the shared memory. By responding to coherency probes, the system dynamically adjusts cache contents to maintain accuracy and performance in multi-processor environments.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The method of claim 10 wherein storing the data in the cache line in the cache is based on explicit flush instructions.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing data storage in a cache memory involves controlling the storage of data in cache lines based on explicit flush instructions. The technology addresses inefficiencies in traditional cache management, where data may be stored or evicted without precise control, leading to performance bottlenecks or unnecessary memory access. The method includes monitoring data access patterns and selectively storing or flushing data in cache lines in response to explicit instructions, rather than relying solely on automatic cache replacement policies. This allows for more deterministic and optimized cache behavior, particularly in systems where certain data must be retained or evicted at specific times. The explicit flush instructions ensure that critical data is either preserved in the cache or removed when necessary, improving performance and reducing latency. The method may also involve tracking cache line states and prioritizing data based on usage frequency or importance, further enhancing efficiency. By integrating explicit control mechanisms, the system enables finer-grained management of cache operations, addressing limitations in conventional cache architectures.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The method of claim 10 wherein storing the data in the cache line in the cache is based on a microarchitectural event.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to computer systems and specifically to methods for managing data storage in cache memory. The problem addressed is inefficient data handling in cache memory, which can lead to performance bottlenecks due to suboptimal data placement or eviction policies. The invention improves cache performance by dynamically storing data in cache lines based on microarchitectural events, which are hardware-specific occurrences such as instruction execution, memory access patterns, or pipeline stalls. By leveraging these events, the system can make more informed decisions about when and how to store data in the cache, reducing unnecessary evictions and improving hit rates. The method involves monitoring microarchitectural events, analyzing their impact on cache performance, and adjusting data storage policies accordingly. This approach allows the cache to adapt to real-time system conditions, optimizing data placement for faster access and reduced latency. The invention can be applied in processors, memory controllers, or other hardware components where cache management is critical for performance. The solution enhances efficiency by dynamically aligning cache operations with the underlying microarchitecture, leading to better utilization of cache resources and overall system performance improvements.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the microarchitectural event comprises power management clearing of the cache.

Plain English Translation

A method for managing microarchitectural events in a computing system, particularly addressing the challenge of maintaining system performance and security during power management operations. The method involves detecting a microarchitectural event, such as power management clearing of the cache, which can disrupt normal system operations. Upon detection, the system initiates a response to mitigate the impact of the event. This response may include adjusting system parameters, reconfiguring hardware components, or executing software routines to ensure continued functionality and security. The method ensures that critical operations are not interrupted and that sensitive data is protected during power transitions or other microarchitectural changes. By proactively managing these events, the system maintains performance efficiency and reliability, even under varying power conditions. The approach is particularly useful in environments where power management is dynamic, such as mobile devices or energy-efficient computing systems. The method may also involve logging the event for diagnostic purposes or triggering additional security protocols to prevent unauthorized access during the transition. Overall, the technique provides a robust solution for handling microarchitectural events that could otherwise degrade system performance or compromise security.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The method of claim 10 further comprising migrating the cache line to a new cache level.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing data in a multi-level cache hierarchy addresses inefficiencies in cache utilization, particularly in scenarios where data access patterns change dynamically. The invention optimizes cache performance by dynamically adjusting cache line placement based on access frequency and latency requirements. The method involves monitoring access patterns to identify frequently accessed data and determining whether the data should be migrated to a higher or lower cache level to improve overall system performance. The migration process ensures minimal disruption by temporarily storing the cache line in a buffer during the transfer. Additionally, the method includes mechanisms to handle conflicts and ensure data consistency during migration. The system may also prioritize migration based on cache level characteristics, such as latency and bandwidth, to further enhance efficiency. This approach reduces unnecessary cache misses and improves data retrieval speeds, particularly in high-performance computing environments. The invention is applicable to processors, memory controllers, and other systems requiring efficient cache management.

Classification Codes (CPC)

Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

April 17, 2023

Publication Date

April 2, 2024

Want to explore more patents?

Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.

Citation & reuse

Analysis on this page is generated by Patentable — an AI-powered patent intelligence platform. AI-generated summaries, explanations, FAQs, and analysis may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL below. Patent abstracts and claims are USPTO public domain.

Cite as: Patentable. “Suppressing cache line modification” (US-11947455). https://patentable.app/patents/US-11947455

© 2026 Nomic Interactive Technology LLC. Machine-readable context available at /api/llm-context/US-11947455. See llms.txt for full attribution policy.